There is a notable disproportionate representation of Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) within the architecture and design professions. Gensler is committed to developing mentorship and community engagements to further enrich the design professions with a variety of cultural views and practices. Gensler Toronto partnered with BAIDA (Black Architects and Interior Designers Association) and BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto), to host a virtual BIPOC Portfolio Collaboration.

Students that identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour were invited to participate in a portfolio review session to align with the Design TO festival on January 29, 2021.   

Guests were invited to join Gensler, along with other leading Canadian architects and designers, for a collaborative review of resumes and portfolios to assist this generation with the next steps of their careers. Students were granted a half hour review session with two professionals within the fields of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture or architectural technology. This was an opportunity for students to engage conversation with members of the design community while refining their interview skills. Strategies and advice was shared by all participants to gear students towards design excellence and enrichment within their future careers.